1 & 2 Kings – Page 17

1 Kings 9:1-9 – Take Heed to God’s Response

After building such a magnificent temple and palace and then dedicating it with such a respectful dedication, I’ve been awaiting God’s response. Whenever I embark on a new project, putting my heart and soul into it, I’m always waiting to see how God is going to bless it. In recent years, that approval from God has been more and more important, almost an obsession, for me.

Is this the kind of response you were expecting? Would you have expected more of an “at-a boy” kind of reaction from God after all that Solomon had arranged? Instead, I felt like God was more giving Solomon a “be careful” type of response.

1 Kings 8:54-66 – What a Dedication!

Read 1 Kings 8:54-66

The words "The Will of God" with an open door sharing the picture

I can’t get over the sheer number of animals sacrificed during this dedication ceremony. 142,000 cattle, sheep, and goats. I don’t think I can even fathom how much space they would take up, much less the time it would take. It makes sense the dedication took multiple days, even before the traditional Festival of Shelters was celebrated.

Getting caught up in the details can keep us from seeing the underlying message. Such numbers would suggest to me extreme devotion and a repentant heart. The magnitude of the temple’s importance in the lives of God’s people is also apparent. The grandeur of the temple would call for such a display. It sounds like everyone in attendance was blessed. I hope God was, too!

1 Kings 8:22-53 – Solomon’s Prayer

Read 1 Kings 8:22-53

girl standing alongside a roadway with her arms extended to the sky as if to say "Use Me God!"

We continue to witness history being made as Solomon, in front of all Israel, prays this dedication. I love the clues we can get from this prayer for our own prayer life. Solomon says, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below.”

Did you notice how he starts out this prayer? Solomon speaks to God with admiration and awe. Wouldn’t you agree this is a great way to start a prayer? Get our hearts and mind straight on the truth. It will also get God’s attention!

1 Kings 8:14-21 – Prophecy Fulfilled

Read 1 Kings 8:14-21

2 little girl hands doing a pinky promise

Is it just me, or have you been hearing a lot of prophetic declarations being made these days? I’m not sure if people have more time on their hands to hear from the Lord due to the pandemic or if they are just more in tune. Sadly, what I’m hearing most seems to be doom and gloom being spread as a word from God. Not sure how I feel about that!

Do I believe it? Is it credible? I’m sure even the great prophets from the Bible struggled. The message they were getting wasn’t all sunshine and daisies! They were not popular glimpses into the future. However, the words spoken to David were not only a prophecy but also a promise. Remember a prophecy is not “foretelling” but forthtelling announcements of promise, warnings of punishment and woe.

1 Kings 8:1-13 – In the Presence of the Ark

Read 1 Kings 8:1-13

In Chapter 8, we hit a high point of what has been building, not just the temple itself but the anticipation of having a temple. Solomon was anticipating how the temple would be used to honor God while being an honorable place for God to reside with the people. Of course, the Ark would need to be transported!

As we read this chapter, keep in mind how it sets up a great reminder for us in how we understand the whole book! You might want to return often to remember the “roots” Solomon established, or attempted to establish. The intentions for the temple were honorable, respectful, and showed King Solomon wanted to not only please God but also shine on the legacy left by his father, King David.